David put together another excellent presentation. The photos of the ‘step’ pyramid are probably familiar to most people, but it is only a small part of the Sokar necropolis, much of which still lies buried in the sands, along with its mummies and other
treasures - all waiting to be discovered.
The buildings here represent the earliest architecture in the world, with complex niched facades and decorations, at the time when Stonehenge was just a simple circle of stones. Imhotep designed very advanced temples and tombs. He was something of a cross between Stephen Hawking and Christopher Wren - with titles such as the Great Star Gazer, Master Sculptor mason, High Priest of Ra and the God of Medicine and Healing...and inventor of pyramids. Many of the designs followed “eternal” nature - the fluted columns representing papyrus bundles or giant hogweed which would last in stone forever.
The buildings show evidence that servants and officials were often sacrificed and buried near the King, so it was a strong incentive to keep him safe from assassins or poisoners as long as possible! Interestingly, excavations have revealed that many of the females of the family were buried deep in the earth before the pyramids were constructed on top. Within the tombs are side ‘chapels’ prepared for the King’s spirit - and decorated with blue faience tiles.
Nearby, there is the Serapeum, where the sacred Bulls of Apis were laid to rest. Each bull was judged to be the reincarnation of the previous one. They were treated with great care and reverence during their lives, and in fact, knowing that most bulls live to be 18 or so, it has been possible for archaeologists to determine the complicated chronology of the dynasties and kings of the time from the carvings on the walls and stele.
French archaeologist Jean Philippe Lauer worked for more than 70 years in this area, excavating and resorting much of what can be seen today - imagine digging in the same sandpit all that time, and there is still so much to be uncovered.
David’s lectures are full of detail, presented beautifully with coloured slides. The point of my writing these articles, is to inspire more of our members to learn this fascinating history from someone with great knowledge of his subject.
